Alcohol poisoning is a dangerous condition that occurs after drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. This condition is dangerous, potentially leading to brain damage, coma and even death. Since people with alcohol poisoning may not realize the seriousness of their condition due to their impairment, it is important that those around them learn the warning signs of alcohol poisoning and get them the immediate medical care they need.
Causes
Binge drinking, which is drinking more than five alcoholic drinks in less than an hour, can cause alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning can also can be caused by purposefully or accidentally ingesting household products that contain high levels of alcohol.
Symptoms
The symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, seizures, confusion, stupor and loss of consciousness. Slow breathing, or less than eight breaths every minute, may also occur. Not all these symptoms need to be present before a person should seek help or treatment, warns the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's Task Force on College Drinking. Any time there is any concern over how much a person has drank, it is better to err on the side of caution and seek help even when the person is not displaying all the signs of alcohol poisoning.
Considerations
The binge drinking that causes alcohol poisoning typically begins in adolescence and peaks between the ages of 18 and 22, according to the Mayo Clinic. Parents that take the time to warn their children about the dangers of binge drinking may decrease the chances of their child suffering from alcohol poisoning in the future.
Misconceptions
Many people mistakenly believe that there are home remedies for alcohol poisoning. Coffee, water, a cold shower or sleeping or walking it off are things that simply will not treat alcohol poisoning. Giving the body time to rid itself from the toxic alcohol is the only thing that will fix alcohol poisoning. Also, many do not realize that the alcohol can continue to be released into the bloodstream after drinking is stopped and even after a person passes out.
Treatments
Although the body will need to rid itself from alcohol to cure the alcohol poisoning, some medical interventions may help. The individual with alcohol poisoning should go to a hospital for close monitoring. In addition, intravenous fluids, vitamins and breathing support are often given.
Warning
Although there is a risk of dying from alcohol poisoning when the lungs or heart suddenly stopping, but there is also the danger of death by asphyxiation if a person vomits while unconscious. People who have had a lot to drink and pass out should lie on their side with their head also turned to the side to decrease the likelihood of choking on their vomit, suggests the University of California.
Prevention
The best way to prevent alcohol poison is to only drink moderately and refrain from binge drinking. The general rule of thumb is that most individuals can only handle one drink per hour before impairment sets in. It is also important to understand how much alcohol is in each drink. One mixed drink, for example, may contain the alcoholic equivalent to two or more glasses of beer. Always knowing how much alcohol is in each drink may help a person regulate their alcoholic intake more appropriately and avoid alcohol poisoning.
